The remake – produced by Desperate Housewives’ duo David Janollari and Alexandra Cunningham – will reportedly have a ‘light and contemporary’ feel.

However it will retain elements of its predecessor, with its famously whimsical theme music apparently set to remain intact.

‘I’ve always considered myself an armchair detective and in a recent meeting with (NBC chairman) Bob Greenblatt, he asked me what type of character would be able to lure me to TV,’ Spencer told the website Deadline.

Octavia Spencer will take over where Angela Lansbury left off (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Naturally, I said Jessica. Fletcher meets Colombo…and here we are. I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with Dave Janollari again, and Alex Cunningham a brilliant writer who shares my love for all things mysterious and Angela Lansbury.’

The original Murder She Wrote ran for 264 episodes from 1984-1996, while a string of spin-off TV movies also aired between 1997 and 2003.

Lansbury, now aged 88, was nominated for an Emmy 12 times for her role in the show but never actually won the prize.

According to reports the actress may play some role in the reboot.

Murder She Wrote is one of a string of 1980s shows currently undergoing a revival, with new versions of Hawaii Five-O and Dallas currently proving popular with viewers.

A remake of Remington Steele – the show which launched Pierce Brosnan’s career – is also reported to be in the works.